Both Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy unanimously agree that Ireland's rugby team can cement their name in rugby history by winning the Rugby World Cup by winning the whole thing.
On Saturday night, Ireland beat the current RWC holders, South Africa, 8-13 in Paris in one of the best games ever seen in the tournament's history.
The win now means that Ireland are unbeaten in 16 games. They are also likely to face New Zealand in their quarter-final, barring a massive collapse against Scotland on October 7.
Every fan and rugby pundit has praised the current Ireland team under Andy Farrell, and it was no different on Saturday night after their statement win.
Speaking before the game, two of Ireland's well-known sports stars, Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy, were pitchside for the game. They both offered their takes on Ireland's chances of going all the way in France, prior to the win.
First up, Lowry admitted that Ireland's potential win against the Springboks would be a massive step forward for the Ireland team. He also believed that Ireland's chances of winning the Webb Ellis Trophy might never come again, so he wants Ireland's players to grab the chance with both hands.
Rory Mcilroy at scrum-half? Shane Lowry in the front row?
Catch The Big Jim Show Live for all the after match reactions on RugbyPass TV! #RWC2023 | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/gToBTqcx7w— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 23, 2023
“Ireland is the best team in the world on paper, and we all want them to win and go the whole way. Tonight [the eventual win against South Africa] is a huge step towards that, and I think this team has a chance to do something that will be remembered forever. Ireland might never have a chance like this again, and I think this team has that chance," said Lowry to Jim Hamilton’s RugbyPass TV program, 'The Big Jim Show'
McIlroy, who stood alongside him, agreed with his golfing colleague about Ireland's chances. The Holywood native also believes that Ireland's huge traveling support could indeed push them all the way on October 28.
“No matter where we play in the world, the support we get from the Irish fans, wherever it is, it’s incredible," added McIlroy. "The fans travel to see their sports stars, and Paris is no different. But to actually be here and see the support that this team has, it’s amazing. Hopefully, that support can carry them all the way in this tournament.”
“The last thing that’s happened in Ireland that would be as big as them winning a World Cup was this man [points to Lowry] winning the Open Championship in Portrush in 2019. If they get there, it’ll be a monumental achievement, and they have to try to make the most of it."
Ireland's next game will be against Scotland on October 7.
